As the end-of-year holidays approach, greeting cards multiply, and Swiss federal councilors are no exception to this tradition. These maps, true exercises in aesthetics and sometimes politics, offer an overview of the concerns and ambitions of their authors. A quick overview of the wishes for 2024.
Vaud federal councilor Guy Parmelin offers a greeting card reflecting his concerns for the world. On the cover, a photo of Lake Geneva with the Jura peaks topped with dark clouds in the background. This scene symbolizes, according to the Federal Councilor in charge of the Federal Department of the Economy, Education and Research, current global tensions. But all is not gloomy: the rays of sunlight that illuminate the vast lake convey a message of confidence and hope.
Ignazio Cassis and the duty of humanity
For Ignazio Cassis, seriousness is also required. Its three-dimensional map reveals a chair in homage to the Geneva Conventions, which are celebrating their 75th anniversary. “War has limits,” he recalls, emphasizing the importance of humanism in the diplomatic efforts that will guide the year 2025.
Albert Rösti: tradition and innovation through artificial intelligence
Albert Rösti stands out for his technological approach. Its map, created using artificial intelligence, presents an image evoking the snowy Bernese Oberland. A way for the UDC advisor to combine tradition and innovation, a concern that he says is central, even beyond the holidays.
More classic cards for other ministers
Not all federal councilors engaged in an overtly political message. Karin Keller-Sutter, for example, plays on simplicity by offering a map made up of keywords from the themes addressed by the Finance Department. The “happy holidays” message is highlighted in the four national languages.
Viola Amherd, for her part, focuses on recycling by reusing the visual identity from the official 2024 photo of the Federal Council.
Socialist cards: between creativity and mystery
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, in charge of culture, favors art with a work by the winner of the Switzerland 2024 art prize. A choice which symbolizes dialogue and harmony, illustrated by a red ribbon on the background blue.
Finally, Beat Jans's menu stands out for its originality and mystery. It features a photo of three teenagers crossing a river, accompanied by the text: “Together is better!”. The link between these young people and the socialist advisor remains deliberately vague, adding a personal and enigmatic touch to his message.
Radio report: Philéas Authier
Adaptation web: ther
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